Leather Jacket Sizing — The Complete EU Fit Guide
Leather jackets fit differently from cotton or knitwear. Here is how to measure yourself correctly and translate your measurements into the perfect European size.
The Golden Rule
Size for a snug-but-comfortable chest on day one. Full-grain leather stretches very slightly across the chest and torso over 20–30 wears, molding to your body shape. It does not stretch across the shoulders — so the shoulder seam must sit exactly at your shoulder point.
How to Measure Yourself
Chest (Most Important)
Wrap a soft tape measure around the fullest part of your chest — directly under your arms, across your shoulder blades at the back. Keep the tape horizontal. Do not pull tight; keep it just touching the skin.
💡 Measure in a thin t-shirt, not a sweater — leather molds to your body rather than the outer layer.
Shoulder Width
Ask someone to help measure across your back from the edge of your left shoulder to the edge of your right shoulder. The tape should follow the slight curve of your shoulders and pass behind the base of your neck.
💡 The shoulder seam must sit at this exact measurement. It cannot be altered — the shoulders are the most critical fit point.
Sleeve Length
From the shoulder point (where your shoulder seam falls), measure down the outside of your arm to your wrist bone, with your arm hanging naturally at a slight bend.
💡 Full-grain leather sleeves lengthen by approximately 1–1.5cm over the first 50 wears. Measure for a slightly snug sleeve — it will settle to the correct length.
Body Length
From the base of your neck at the back (7th cervical vertebra), measure straight down to where you want the jacket to end. A biker jacket typically ends at the hip; a café racer ends 2–3cm shorter.
Pelle Atelier EU Size Chart (cm)
| Size | EU | Chest (cm) | Shoulders (cm) | Sleeve (cm) | Body Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 44 | 88–92 | 42 | 62 | 58 |
| S | 46 | 92–96 | 44 | 63 | 60 |
| M | 48 | 96–100 | 46 | 64 | 62 |
| L | 50 | 100–104 | 48 | 65 | 64 |
| XL | 52 | 104–108 | 50 | 66 | 66 |
| XXL | 54 | 108–114 | 52 | 67 | 68 |
Measurements are for the finished garment. Size for chest — if your shoulders are wide, prioritise the shoulder measurement.
Tailored vs. Relaxed Fit
Tailored Fit (Size Down)
Order your natural chest size or one size smaller. The jacket will feel snug initially, then mold precisely to your torso. This creates the sharpest European silhouette — chest, shoulders, and waist align tightly for a structured look.
Relaxed Fit (Size Up)
Order one size larger than your natural chest measurement. This leaves room for a light mid-layer (quilted shirt, thin roll-neck). If you plan to wear the jacket over knitwear regularly, this is the recommended approach.
Still unsure? Try the Fit Calculator
Enter your height and weight for an instant size recommendation. Every order includes free EU size exchange.